​I am proud to share that the Office of the Chief Nursing Officer (OCNO) will now include a new Allied Health department. The new team will be led by Chief Nursing Officer, Monica McAlduff; Gary Housty, Executive Director; Riley David, Director of Allied Health Clinical Practice; and Genevieve Fortin, Manager of Allied Health. The department's mission will be to guide allied health professional standards, including practice, scope and regulations. In doing so, they will promote and support the development of culturally safe, high-quality and evidence-informed care. The team will also work to support education, foster collaboration with stakeholders, and provide professional practice support, clinical leadership and expert advice.

The Allied Health team will prioritize the development of an FNHA allied health strategy that is reflective of the unique needs of First Nations communities. As the team continues to build capacity, it will work with community, regional and provincial partners to define allied health priorities. Key priorities will include developing the allied health identity, improving education and promoting quality care. The team will also focus on fostering transparent, collaborative and community driven leadership to develop the Allied Health team and department.

Allied health professionals are spread across 70 disciplines. Among them are social workers, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists, and dietitians, as well as audiologists, dental hygienists, just to name a few.

They all play a vital role in delivering preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic services to people throughout BC. Their contributions are essential to the health and wellbeing of First Nations communities, making a significant impact in improving care.

Social Worker

Part of the Allied Health initiative has involved the establishment of the Allied Health Guidance Council, comprised of FHNA allied health professionals. This council will guide the Allied Health portfolio by fostering collaboration, enhancing the quality of care, and ensuring cultural safety and humility. Additionally, it aims to stay attuned to current developments and needs within allied health practice.

Victoria Stevens, from the Ktunaxa Nation, is a social worker for Serious Illness and Palliative Care with the OCNO. She speaks highly of the importance of the newly developed Allied Health guidance group and the work they will be doing.

“What I appreciate about this role is I get to work with other professionals evaluating the work they do and bring some lived and living experience to their work. I grew up in community and have lived in communities across Canada so I'm able to bring perspectives they might not have considered for people living in rural and remote communities," said Victoria. “I want to help bring health care equity to everyone, especially people living in communities where access can be an issue."

She adds the team also helps ensure the recognition of the importance of culture in wholistic health care by acknowledging and respecting the many different cultures in BC and the unique approaches for each one.

For more information or to connect with them, please reach out at allied.health@fnha.ca.